Despite our recent run of (finally!) “summer-like” temperatures and sunshine, the reality is that winter is just around the corner. This means that cold, snowy, blustery weather will be here before we know it. While the cooler winter weather can be a good excuse to wrap up warm and stay indoors, as a property owner or facility manager, you must be aware of how it can take a toll on your property’s condition and potentially create long term maintenance headaches.
There’s a lot to do to get ready! To make sure your home, building or properties are ready for winter, there are definitely some maintenance tasks that you should carry out, before the weather turns cold for good.
Autumn leaves can drop off surrounding trees and block your gutters and drains. This in turn increases the chance of flooding and damage to your roof. If the weather gets really cold, water trapped by leaves can freeze, causing potential leaks and other problems. Leaky downspouts or gutters can cause ice buildup on walkway areas with the freeze-thaw cycles we encounter each winter.
Before it gets really cold is the time to look at your heating system and check it’s all in good working order. Not only will it work better, you’ll be able to catch any minor issues before they become bigger, more expensive ones. A well maintained heating system will also be more power efficient, helping you keep your winter electricity costs under control.
Many residential and commercial properties have built-in irrigation systems. When the weather turns cold, it’s essential to have your sprinkler system properly drained and blown out with compressed air. This ensures that any trapped water will drain, reducing your chances of suffering a pipe burst.
It isn’t a good idea to perform irrigation system shut-downs and repairs without training. These tasks require advanced knowledge of system design and engineering, and even a small mistake can cause major damage. To avoid these risks, we recommend scheduling a proper shut-down with a proven service provider.
You don’t want to be dealing with problems when spring returns, so make sure your system is “winterized” and in good condition before the arrival of sub-zero temperatures.
The seals around your doors and windows can deteriorate over time and if they aren’t in good condition, they may not work at keeping cold air out. Drafts and cold air coming in will increase your power costs, as your heating system will need to work harder to compensate.
The longer winter nights mean that your house guests, employees and customers may well be entering and leaving your building in poor light or even darkness. Now is the time to check your lights work and replace or fix any bulbs that are broken.
All lots and walkways should be thoroughly inspected for hazards and existing damage before the first snowfall. When having a look, check for potholes, cracks and uneven pavement. These should be repaired before winter arrives to help reduce the likelihood of a trip & fall accident or water-pooling that can freeze-up and result in a slip & fall incident.
Darkness falls early during the winter, and making sure your business is well-lit improves safety as well as visibility to customers. Parking lot striping and pavement markings should be refreshed to help guide vehicles along safely, and all walkways should have ample lighting.
Don’t leave it too late to get your commercial property ready for winter. A bit of time spent now can save you a lot more time and money in the months ahead.
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance in the weeks ahead!
– Ken Jorgenson